Original Rogatchover Manuscript Gifted to Rebbe’s Library

A handwritten manuscript containing two responsa from the Rogatchover Gaon was gifted on Thursday to the Rebbe’s library by a Chabad activist in honor of Hei Teves and his birthday.

By Anash.org reporter

A handwritten manuscript containing two responsa from the Rogatchover Gaon was gifted on Thursday to the Rebbe’s library by a Chabad activist in honor of Hei Teves and his birthday.

Harav Yosef Rosen, known as the Rogatchover Gaon, was renowned for his depth and breadth of knowledge, as well as for his unique style of connecting different parts of Torah. The Rebbe corresponded extensively with him as a bochur and young man, and held his Torah and manner of study in high esteem.

In recent months, a manuscript of his handwritten chiddushei Torah were put up for sale. The handwritten letter was written in response to a query posed regarding flour for shmura matza and holy texts from an ir hanidachas. The responsa, which was published in a volume of sha’alos uteshuvos Tzofnas Poneach printed for the first time in recent years, is written in his trademark terse and brief style.

Seizing the opportunity, Chabad activist Shmuli Butler decided to purchase it and gift it to the Rebbe’s library. Knowing of the Rebbe’s high regard for the Rogatchover, and in line with the Rebbe’s request to help increase the library’s collection, he was determined to bring the letter to the library.

After purchasing the manuscript, Butler had it encased in an elegant leather album-style frame to present it in a manner that befits its great worth.

On Hei Teves, the day the Rebbe declared as a yom segulah for everything connected to the library, and the day he celebrates his own birthday, Butler brought the manuscript to the library. He presented it to Head Librarian Rabbi Berel Levine, who received it enthusiastically, glad to be able to add another rare artifact to the library’s collection.

After taking possession of the remarkable gift, the precious manuscript was placed on the Rebbe’s holy desk, befitting a Torah giant with whom the Rebbe corresponded extensively and held in the highest esteem.